Introducing the Sussex Member Collective
A New Monthly Gathering for a Stronger, Smarter, More Connected Sussex Business Community
We are excited to launch the Sussex Member Collective — a brand‑new monthly event series created exclusively for Sussex Chamber members. This is more than a meeting. It is a movement.
A community.
A catalyst.
A collective.
Every month, members from across the county will come together to gain insights, strengthen connections, and help shape the future of the Sussex economy. This is your chance to be part of something bigger. A county‑wide network working collaboratively to support growth, innovation, skills, and success.
🎤 This Month’s Host
Ana Christie
CEO of Sussex Chamber
We are delighted that our first Sussex Member Collective will be hosted by Ana Christie, Chief Executive of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce.
Ana is a highly experienced strategic leader with more than a decade as CEO, known for her ability to drive business growth, champion the voice of local employers, and strengthen the economic landscape across Sussex. Under her leadership since 2014, the Chamber has expanded its reach, deepened its influence, and played a leading role in representing Sussex businesses at regional and national levels.
Her background spans commercial leadership, operational performance, international project management, and government experience. Before joining the Chamber, she led multidisciplinary teams within the clinical trials industry and previously served within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Ana’s commitment to championing Sussex business is reflected in her advocacy work, her contributions to business policy discussions, and her active involvement in regional initiatives such as the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Her insight, energy, and deep understanding of the county’s business landscape make her the perfect host for this new flagship event series.
🎙️ Keynote Speaker
Matt Garman
The Corporate Adventurer
Our inaugural keynote speaker is Matt Garman, a highly sought‑after leadership and high‑performance speaker whose extraordinary career blends entrepreneurship, endurance, and real‑world leadership.
Matt built and sold multiple technology companies, including a private‑equity exit and has become known for delivering practical, commercially focused leadership tools rooted in lived experience rather than theory.
But his story goes far beyond the boardroom.
Matt is widely known as The Corporate Adventurer, having:
- Rowed across the Atlantic
- Swum the English Channel
- Completed major endurance challenges
- Left school at 16 to work as the youngest crew member on a fishing trawler — a life experience that shaped his grit, resilience, and leadership style
His keynotes combine business lessons with the mindset required in high‑pressure, high‑stakes environments. Matt’s work centres around The Uncharted Framework™, giving leaders clear, actionable steps to build strong teams, make confident decisions, and drive commercial success.
He has authored three books, appeared on BBC and ITV, and advised organisations ranging from NatWest and Lloyds Bank to fast‑growth businesses across the UK.
Expect an energising, honest, and deeply engaging keynote to kick off our Collective series.
🌍 What is the Sussex Member Collective?
This monthly event is designed to deliver:
✔ High‑value insights on the issues shaping business
✔ Stronger member connections across the whole county
✔ A united platform to share knowledge, influence decision‑making and support growth
✔ Opportunities for members to shape the Sussex economic landscape
✔ A flagship community event created exclusively for Chamber members
Each month follows a structured, business‑focused format including:
- Economic updates
- Member expertise segments (legal, digital, skills, sustainability)
- Welcomes for new members
- Charity spotlights
- Plenty of meaningful networking
With rotating locations across North, South, East and West Sussex, every member gets access to the Collective.
🗓️ Event Format
(Monthly – Every 3rd Thursday)
8.30am – 11.00am
- 8.30 – 9.00 - Registration, refreshments & networking
- 9.00 – 9.15 - Welcome & Chamber updates
- 9.15 – 9.45 - Economic Update
- 9.45 – 10.15 - Keynote Speaker
- 10.15 – 11.00 - Networking
🤝 Why Attend?
- Strengthen your business connections
- Gain insight you can act on immediately
- Stay ahead of economic and regulatory changes
- Engage directly with Chamber leadership
- Support a growing, county‑wide business movement
- Be part of a stronger, more resilient Sussex economy
🚀 Join Us for the Launch of the Sussex Member Collective
This is the first of many — and it will set the standard.
With Ana Christie hosting and Matt Garman delivering an unmissable keynote, this event launches a new era of member engagement, shared knowledge, and business leadership across Sussex.
👉 Book your place today
👉 Be part of something bigger
👉 Shape the future of Sussex business
Your Host
